Methods and apparatus to mitigate bubble formation in a liquid

ABSTRACT

Methods and apparatus to mitigate bubble formation in a liquid are disclosed. An example apparatus disclosed herein includes a bottom wall, a first baffle cantilevered from the bottom wall, and a second baffle cantilevered from the bottom wall. The first baffle is spaced apart from the second baffle, and the first baffle and the second baffle are positioned radially relative to an axis of rotation of the apparatus.

RELATED APPLICATIONS

This patent arises from a continuation of U.S. application Ser. No.16/107,826 (now U.S. Pat. No. 10,926,263), titled “METHODS AND APPARATUSTO MITIGATE BUBBLE FORMATION IN A LIQUID,” filed Aug. 21, 2018, which isa continuation of U.S. application Ser. No. 13/801,451 (now U.S. Pat.No. 10,058,866), titled “METHODS AND APPARATUS TO MITIGATE BUBBLEFORMATION IN A LIQUID,” filed Mar. 13, 2013, both of which are herebyincorporated by this reference in their entireties.

FIELD OF THE DISCLOSURE

This disclosure relates generally to fluid analyzers and, moreparticularly, to methods and apparatus mitigate bubble formation in aliquid.

BACKGROUND

Automated analyzers are used to analyze samples including biologicalmaterial gathered from patients for diagnostic purposes. Generally,analysis of a sample involves reacting the sample with one or morereagents in a liquid container. Some automated analyzers store reagentsin containers on a carousel. When a particular reagent is needed, thecarousel is rotated to move the container holding the reagent to beadjacent an aspirating/dispensing device. The carousel moves byaccelerating and decelerating, which subjects the reagents to rotationalforces that could cause bubbles to form in the liquid.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 illustrates an example cartridge that is holding a plurality ofexample containers and which is coupled to a portion of an examplecarousel.

FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view of a first container of the examplecartridge of FIG. 1 taken along the A-A line of FIG. 1.

FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view of a second container of the examplecartridge of FIG. 1 taken along the A-A line of FIG. 1.

FIG. 4 is a side, cross-sectional view of the example cartridge of FIG.1 taken along the B-B line of FIG. 1 when the example cartridge issubstantially stationary.

FIG. 5 is a side, cross-sectional view of the example cartridge of FIG.1 taken along the B-B line of FIG. 1 when the example cartridge isrotating.

FIG. 6 is a graph showing a velocity of the example cartridge on thecarousel of FIG. 1 over a period of time.

FIG. 7 is a top, cross-sectional view of an alternative examplecontainer disclosed herein.

FIG. 8 is a perspective, cross-sectional view of the example containerof FIG. 7 taken along the C-C line of FIG. 7.

FIG. 9 is a flowchart representative of an example method disclosedherein.

Some of the figures or some of the portions of the figures may not be toscale. Instead, to clarify multiple layers and regions, the thickness ofthe layers may be enlarged in the drawings. Wherever possible, the samereference numbers will be used throughout the drawing(s) andaccompanying written description to refer to the same or like parts. Asused in this patent, stating that any part (e.g., a layer, film, area,or plate) is in any way positioned on (e.g., positioned on, located on,disposed on, or formed on, etc.) another part, means that the referencedpart is either in contact with the other part, or that the referencedpart is above the other part with one or more intermediate part(s)located therebetween. Stating that any part is in contact with anotherpart means that there is no intermediate part between the two parts.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Disclosed herein are methods and apparatus to mitigate bubble formationin a liquid such as, for example, a liquid reagent in a container of anautomatic diagnostic analyzer, which may be, for example, a clinicalchemistry analyzer, an immunoassay analyzer, and/or a hematologyanalyzer. Some reagents used in automatic diagnostic analyzers include aliquid and one or more surfactants (e.g., detergents). Automaticdiagnostic analyzers typically rotate reagent containers or bottlesabout an axis and/or in an oscillating manner, and the rotation,acceleration and/or deceleration imparts forces on the contents of thecontainers, which may agitate the contents of the containers.

When surfactants and/or reagents are agitated, bubbles and foam mayform. Example containers disclosed herein use baffles to mitigate (e.g.,reduce and/or substantially minimize) bubble formation in the liquid andenable the liquid to quickly settle after the containers decelerate to asubstantially stationary state. Some example baffles disclosed hereinextend from bottom walls of the containers and are spaced apart fromsidewalls, end walls, and top walls of the containers. In some examples,the baffles are c-shaped and have concave portions facing an axis ofrotation of the containers.

In the examples disclosed herein, the top walls define throats andcrowns. When the example containers rotate, the liquid flows around thebaffles and into the crowns without flowing into the throats and out ofthe containers. In some examples disclosed herein, the containers haverounded-rectangular shapes that provide greater space utilization indiagnostic systems than many known container configurations. As aresult, using examples described herein, analyzers can have an increasedload capacity and/or smaller size, compared to many known systems. Theexample containers can be created with fabrication techniques such as,for example, injection molding and/or laser welding, which reduce costscompared to the fabrication techniques used to create many knowncontainer configurations.

Disclosed herein is an example apparatus that includes a reagentcontainer having a first sidewall and a second sidewall opposite thefirst sidewall. The example container further includes a top wallcoupled to the first sidewall and the second sidewall. The examplecontainer also includes a bottom wall opposite the top wall, and thebottom wall is coupled to the first sidewall and the second sidewall.The example container also includes a first baffle extending from thebottom wall. The example first baffle is spaced apart from the firstsidewall, the second sidewall, and the top wall.

In some examples, the apparatus also includes a second baffle extendingfrom the bottom wall. The second baffle may be spaced apart from thefirst sidewall, the second sidewall, the top wall and the first baffle.In some examples, the first baffle has a first height and the secondbaffle has a second height greater than the first height. The firstbaffle and the second baffle may be positioned radially relative to anaxis of rotation of the apparatus. In some examples, the first bafflehas a c-shaped cross-section.

In some examples, the top wall includes a first portion and a secondportion. The first portion may be at a first height relative to thebottom wall and the second portion may be at a second height relative tothe bottom wall greater than the first height. In some examples, thefirst portion of the top wall defines an aperture. In some examples, thesecond portion of the top wall defines a crown, and liquid is to flowaround the first baffle and into the crown when the apparatus isrotated.

In some examples, the apparatus also includes a carrier, and thecontainer is removably coupled to the carrier. In some examples, thebottom wall is curved. In some examples, the apparatus also includes afirst curved end wall and a second curved end wall opposite the firstcurved end wall. The first end wall and the second end wall may couplethe first sidewall and the second sidewall.

Another example apparatus disclosed herein includes a bottom wall, afirst baffle cantilevered from the bottom wall, and a second bafflecantilevered from the bottom wall. The example first baffle is spacedapart from the example second baffle, and the first baffle and thesecond baffle are positioned radially relative to an axis of rotation ofthe apparatus.

In some examples, the first baffle is curved. In some examples, thefirst baffle has a c-shaped cross-section and is oriented such that aconcave portion of the c-shaped cross-section faces the axis of rotationof the apparatus. In some examples, the second baffle has a c-shapedcross-section and is oriented such that a concave portion of thec-shaped cross-section of the second baffle faces the axis of rotationof the apparatus.

Another example apparatus disclosed herein includes a bottom wall, afirst sidewall coupled to the bottom wall, and a top wall coupled to thesidewall. The example top wall has a first portion and a second portion.The example first portion is at a first height relative to the bottomwall, and the example second portion is at a second height greater thanthe first height relative to the bottom wall. The example apparatus alsoincludes a first baffle having a third height different than the firstheight and the second height. In some examples, the baffle extends fromthe bottom wall. In some examples, the third height is greater than thefirst height.

In some examples, the bottom wall, the first sidewall and the top walldefine a chamber, and the first portion of the top wall comprises anaperture in fluid communication with the chamber.

In some examples, the first baffle is spaced apart from the firstsidewall. In some examples, the apparatus also includes a secondsidewall, and the first baffle is spaced apart from the second sidewall.The example apparatus may also include a first end wall and a second endwall opposite the first end wall. The first end wall and the second endwall may be coupled to the first sidewall and the second sidewall. Insome examples, the first baffle is spaced apart from the first end walland the second end wall. In some examples, a first distance between thefirst sidewall and the second sidewall adjacent the first end wall isless than a second distance between the first sidewall and the secondsidewall adjacent the second end wall.

In some examples, the apparatus also includes a second baffle, and thefirst baffle and the second baffle are disposed radially relative to anaxis of rotation of the apparatus. In some examples, the second baffleextends from the bottom wall. In some examples, the second baffle has afourth height different than the first height, the second height and thethird height. In some examples, the fourth height is less than the firstheight, and the third height is greater than the first height.

In some examples, the apparatus also includes a liquid reagent that maybe disposed below the first height when the apparatus is stationary. Insome examples, a portion of the liquid reagent is disposed between thefirst height and the second height during rotation of the exampleapparatus.

Also disclosed herein is an example method that includes rotating acontainer about an axis of rotation. In some examples, the containerincludes a bottom wall, a sidewall coupled to the bottom wall, and a topwall coupled to the sidewall opposite the bottom wall. An example topwall includes a first portion and a second portion. The first portionmay be at a first height relative to the bottom wall, and the secondportion may be at a second height greater than the first height relativeto the bottom wall. The example second portion defines a crown. Theexample container also includes a first baffle coupled to the bottomwall and spaced apart from the sidewall and the top wall. The examplecontainer further includes a liquid. The example method also includesdisplacing the liquid around the first baffle during rotation, anddisplacing the liquid into a space defined by the crown during rotation.

In some examples, bubble formation in the liquid is decreased by thedisplacing of the liquid around the first baffle and the displacing ofthe liquid into the space defined by the crown. In some examples, themethod also includes ceasing rotation and aspirating a portion of theliquid.

In some examples, the example method includes rotating the containerwith a substantially constantly changing velocity. Also, in someexamples, the example method includes increasing a velocity of thecontainer non-linearly over time and decreasing the velocity of thecontainer nonlinearly over time.

Another example apparatus includes a container defining a chamber tohold a reagent. The example container includes a first sidewall, asecond sidewall and a top wall. The example apparatus also includes afirst baffle having a c-shaped cross-section disposed in the chamber. Afirst portion of the example first baffle is spaced apart from the topwall and at least one of the first sidewall or the second sidewall toenable a liquid in the chamber to flow around the first baffle tomitigate bubble formation in the liquid.

In some examples, a concave portion of the first baffle is to face anaxis of rotation of the container. In some examples, the top walldefines a crown, and the first baffle extends into a space defined bythe crown. In some examples, the apparatus also includes a second bafflehaving a c-shape cross-section, and the second baffle is disposed in thechamber. A second portion of the example second baffle may be spacedapart from the first baffle, the top wall and at least one of the firstsidewall or the second sidewall.

In some examples, the first baffle and the second baffle are differentheights. In some examples, the first baffle and the second baffle arepositioned radially relative to an axis of rotation of the apparatus.The example apparatus may also include a first end wall and a second endwall coupled to the first sidewall and the second sidewall. The firstportion of the first baffle may be spaced apart from the first end walland the second end wall.

Turning now to the figures, FIG. 1 is a perspective view of an examplecartridge 100 coupled to a carousel 102 of a diagnostic analyzer. In theillustrated example, the carousel 102 includes a platform 104 on whichthe cartridge 100 is supported. The cartridge 100 may be transported toand/or placed on the platform 104 manually, by a robotic device, via aconveyer, and/or via any other device and/or technique. During operationof the example carousel 102, the platform 104 and, thus, the cartridge100 rotates about a first axis of rotation 106 along a substantiallycircular path 108 defined by the carousel 102. In some examples,multiple cartridges are coupled to the platform 104.

In some examples, the platform 104 periodically and/or aperiodicallyaccelerates and decelerates while moving along a path 108 defined by thecarousel 102. In the illustrated example, the path 108 is substantiallycircular. In other examples, the path 108 is other shapes. In someexamples, the platform 104 moves periodically or aperiodically in onedirection. In other examples, the platform 104 moves in a back-and-forth(e.g., oscillating) motion. For example, the platform 104 may repeatedlymove a first distance in a first direction (e.g., clockwise) and then asecond distance in a second direction (e.g., counterclockwise) oppositethe first direction. In some examples, the distance moved in the firstdirection is greater than the distance moved in the second directionsuch that the cartridge 100 on the platform 104 oscillates via theback-and-forth motion while it revolves about the first axis of rotation106. In some examples, after the platform 104 moves in the firstdirection, the platform 104 is substantially stationary for a givenamount of time before moving in the second direction. In some examples,the first distance is approximately the same as the second distance suchthat the cartridge 100 moves to and from a given position on the path108. Other examples move in other manners.

In the illustrated example, the cartridge 100 includes a base or carrier110, a first container 112 and a second container 114. The examplecarrier 110 is coupled to the platform 104 to rotate with the platform104. The example carrier 110 includes a seat 116, a first end wall 118,a second end wall 120 and a cover 122. In the illustrated example, firstends 124, 126 of the first container 112 and the second container 114,respectively, are coupled to the seat 116, and second ends 127, 128 ofthe first container 112 and the second container, respectively, arecoupled to the cover 122.

In the illustrated example, the first container 112 and the secondcontainer 114 are arranged in the carrier 110 radially relative to thepath 108 defined by carousel 102. In the illustrated example, the firstcontainer 112 is disposed adjacent the first end wall 118 and the secondcontainer 114 is disposed adjacent the second end wall 120. In someexamples, the first container 112 and/or the second container 114 arerotatably coupled to the seat 116.

Each of the containers 112, 114 is to hold a liquid 400, 402 (FIG. 4).In some examples, the liquids 400, 402 include a sample to be analyzed,one or more reagents, microparticles and/or surfactants (e.g.,detergents). The example cover 122 includes a first aperture 130 and asecond aperture 132 to provide access to the first container 112 and thesecond container 114, respectively. In the illustrated example, a firstcap 134 is coupled to the first container 112, and a second cap 136 iscoupled to the second container 114. The first cap 134 and the secondcap 136 prevent the contents of the containers 112, 114 from flowing outof the containers 112, 114 when the cartridge 100 is being lifted,handled, maneuvered, transported, etc. In some examples, the caps 134,136 are decoupled from the containers 112, 114 when the examplecartridge 100 is disposed on the carousel 102. In some examples, thecaps 134, 136 are decoupled from the containers 112, 114 prior to theexample cartridge 100 being disposed on the carousel 102. In theillustrated example, the carrier 110 includes a first handle 138 and asecond handle 140 to facilitate grasping, holding, lifting, maneuveringand/or transporting of the cartridge 100 by a human (e.g., manually)and/or a robot.

In the illustrated example, the first cap 134 extends out of the firstaperture 130, and the second cap 136 extends out of the second aperture132 to enable the first cap 134 and/or the second cap 136 to be removedfrom the first container 112 and the second container 114, respectively.When the first cap 134 and the second cap 136 are removed, the liquidmay be deposited into and/or removed from the first container 112 andthe second container 114. In some examples, a pipettor and/or otherdevice(s) is inserted into the first container 112 and/or the secondcontainer 114 via the apertures 130, 132 to determine a liquid levelinside, dispense a liquid into and/or aspirate a liquid from the firstcontainer 112 and/or the second container 114. As described in greaterdetail below, the example first container 112 and the example secondcontainer 114 mitigate (e.g., reduce and/or substantially minimize)bubble formation in the liquids 400, 402, thereby enabling accurateliquid level measurements to be taken via the pipettor and/or otherdevice(s).

FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view of the example first container 112 ofFIG. 1 along line A-A of FIG. 1. In the illustrated example, the firstcontainer 112 includes a first sidewall 200, a second sidewall 202, afirst end wall 204, a second end wall 206, a first bottom wall 208 and afirst top wall 408 (FIG. 4) defining a first fluid chamber 210. Theexample first container 112 has a rounded-rectangular cross-sectionalshape. In the illustrated example, the first sidewall 200 and the secondsidewall 202 are substantially planar and parallel. The example firstend wall 204 is opposite the example second end wall 206. In theillustrated example, the first end wall 204 and the example second endwall 206 couple the first sidewall 200 and the second sidewall 202 andare curved away from a central, longitudinal axis of the first container112. In the illustrated example, a distance between the first sidewall200 and the second sidewall 202 is less than a distance between thefirst end wall 204 and the second end wall 206. Other examples haveother cross-sectional shapes (e.g., circular, elliptical, rectangular,square, polygonal, wedged, etc.).

In the illustrated example, the first container 112 includes a firstbaffle 212, a second baffle 214, a third baffle 216 and a fourth baffle218 disposed inside the first fluid chamber 210. Other examples includeother numbers of baffles (e.g., 1, 2, 3, 5, 6, etc.) In the illustratedexample, the first baffle 212, the second baffle 214, the third baffle216 and the fourth baffle 218 extend from the first bottom wall 208toward the first top wall 408 (FIG. 4). In some examples, the baffles212, 214, 216, 218 extend from the first bottom wall 208 substantiallyparallel to or otherwise aligned with each other. In some examples, thebaffles 212, 214, 216, 218 extend from the first bottom wall 208 towardthe first top wall 408 (FIG. 4) substantially parallel to or otherwisealigned with the axis of rotation 106 of the cartridge 100. In theillustrated example, the baffles 212, 214, 216, 218 are positioned alongan axis 220 radially relative to the axis of rotation 106 of the examplecartridge 100. The example baffles 212, 214, 216, 218 are spaced apartfrom each other along the axis 220. In some examples, the baffles 212,214, 216, 218 are spaced apart from each other by substantially equaldistances. In the illustrated example, the baffles 212, 214, 216, 218are spaced apart by approximately 14 to 18 millimeters. In otherexamples, the baffles 212, 214, 216, 218 are equally spaced apart fromeach other by other distances. In some examples, the baffles 212, 214,216, 218 are spaced apart from respective adjacent baffles by differentdistances. For example, the first baffle 212 and the second baffle 214may be spaced apart a first distance, and the second baffle 214 and thethird baffle 216 may be spaced apart a second distance, different thanthe first distance.

The example baffles 212, 214, 216, 218 are also spaced apart from thefirst sidewall 200, the second sidewall 202, the first end wall 204 andthe second end wall 206. In the illustrated example, the baffles 212,214, 216, 218 are spaced apart from the first side wall 200 byapproximately one to two millimeters. The example baffles 212, 214, 216,218 are also spaced apart from the second sidewall 202 by approximatelyone to two millimeters. Thus, in the illustrated example, the baffles212, 214, 216, 218 are positioned approximately equidistant from thefirst sidewall 200 and the second sidewall 202. In other examples, thebaffles 212, 214, 216, 218 are spaced apart from the first sidewall 200and/or the second sidewall 202 by other distances. Also, in someexamples, one or more of the baffles 212, 214, 216, 218 are spaced fromone or both of the first and second sidewalls 200, 202 by distancesdifferent than other ones of the baffles 212, 214, 216, 218.

In the illustrated example, the baffles 212, 214, 216, 218 definerespective channels 222, 224, 226, 228 facing the second end wall 206.Thus, when the example cartridge 100 is disposed on the carousel 102,the channels 222, 224, 226, 228 face the axis of rotation 106 of thecartridge 100. In the illustrated example, the baffles 212, 214, 216,218 are curved such that the baffles 212, 214, 216, 218 have c-shaped(e.g., semi-circular) cross-sectional shapes and concave portions 230,232, 234, 236 of the example baffles 212, 214, 216, 218 define thechannels 222, 224, 226, 228. In the illustrated example, the baffles212, 214, 216, 218 have substantially the same cross-sectional shape andsize (e.g., radius of curvature and cross-sectional arc length). Inother examples, the baffles 212, 214, 216, 218 have othercross-sectional shapes (e.g., crescent-shaped, a curved U-shape, anangled U-shape, etc.) and/or sizes. Also, in some examples, the baffles212, 214, 216, 218 have shapes different from one or more of the otherbaffles 212, 214, 216 218. As described in greater detail below, theexample baffles 212, 214, 216, 218 mitigate (e.g., reduce and/orminimize) bubble formation in the liquid 400, 402 inside the examplefirst container 112.

FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view of the example second container 114 ofFIG. 1 along line A-A of FIG. 1. In the illustrated example, the secondcontainer 114 includes a third sidewall 300, a fourth sidewall 302, athird end wall 304, a fourth end wall 306, a second bottom wall 308 anda second top wall 418 (FIG. 4) defining a second fluid chamber 310. Theexample second container 114 has a rounded-polygonal cross-sectionalshape (e.g., a wedge shape). In the illustrated example, the thirdsidewall 300 and the fourth sidewall 302 are substantially planar andnonparallel. In the illustrated example, a first distance D1 between thethird sidewall 300 and the fourth sidewall 302 adjacent the fourth endwall 306 is less than a second distance D2 between the third sidewall300 and the fourth sidewall 302 adjacent the third end wall 304. Theexample third end wall 304 is opposite the example fourth end wall 306.In the illustrated example, the third end wall 304 and the fourth endwall 306 couple the third sidewall 300 and the fourth sidewall 302. Inthe illustrated example, the third end wall 304 and the example fourthend wall 306 are curved away from a central, longitudinal axis of thesecond container 114. In the illustrated example, the third end wall 304has a greater cross-sectional arc length than the fourth end wall 306.Other examples have other cross-sectional shapes (e.g., circular,elliptical, rectangular, rounded rectangular, square, etc.) and/orsizes.

In the illustrated example, the second container 114 includes a fifthbaffle 312 and a sixth baffle 314 disposed inside the second fluidchamber 310. Other examples include other numbers of baffles (e.g., 1,3, 4, 5, 6, etc.) In the illustrated example, the fifth baffle 312 andthe sixth baffle 314 extend from the second bottom wall 308 toward thesecond top wall 418 (FIG. 4). In some examples, the baffles 312, 314extend from the second bottom wall 308 substantially parallel to eachother. In some examples, the baffles 312, 314 extend from the secondbottom wall 308 toward the second top wall 418 (FIG. 4) substantiallyparallel to the axis of rotation 106 of the cartridge 100. In theillustrated example, the baffles 312, 314 are positioned along the axis220 radially relative to the axis of rotation 106. The example fifthbaffle 312 is spaced apart from the example sixth baffle 314 along theaxis 220. In the illustrated example, the baffles 312, 314 are spacedapart by approximately 14 to 18 millimeters. In other examples, thebaffles 312, 314 are spaced apart from each other by other distances.

The example baffles 312, 314 of FIG. 3 are also spaced apart from thethird sidewall 300, the fourth sidewall 302, the third end wall 304 andthe fourth end wall 306. In the illustrated example, the baffles 312,314 are spaced apart from the third side wall 300 by approximately oneto two millimeters. The example baffles 312, 314 are also spaced apartfrom the fourth sidewall 302 by approximately one to two millimeters.Thus, in the illustrated example, the baffles 312, 314 are positionedapproximately equidistant from the third sidewall 300 and the fourthsidewall 302. In other examples, the baffles 312, 314 are spaced apartfrom the third sidewall 300 and/or the fourth sidewall 302 by otherdistances. Also, in some examples, the fifth baffle 312 is spaced fromthe third sidewall 300 and/or fourth sidewall 302 a first distance, andthe sixth baffle 314 is spaced from the third sidewall 300 and/or fourthsidewall 302 a second distance, different than the first distance.

In the illustrated example, the baffles 312, 314 each define a channel316, 318 facing the fourth end wall 306. Thus, when the examplecartridge 100 is disposed on the carousel 102, the channels 316, 318face the axis of rotation 106 of the cartridge 100. In the illustratedexample, the baffles 312, 314 are curved such that the baffles 312, 314have c-shaped (e.g., semi-circular) cross-sectional shapes and concaveportions 320, 322 of the example baffles 312, 314 define the channels316, 318. In the illustrated example, the fifth baffle 312 has a greatercross-sectional size (e.g., arc length and radius of curvature) than thesixth baffle 314. In other examples, the baffles 312, 314 have othercross-sectional shapes (e.g., crescent-shaped, a curved U-shape, anangled U-shape, etc.) and/or sizes. Also, in some examples, thecross-sectional shapes of the baffles 312, 314 do not match. Asdescribed in greater detail below, the example baffles 312, 314 mitigate(e.g., reduce and/or minimize) bubble formation in the liquid 402 insidethe example second container 114.

FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view of the example cartridge 100 along lineB-B of FIG. 1. In the illustrated example, the first container 112contains the first liquid 400, and the second container 114 contains thesecond liquid 402. In the illustrated example, the first container 112has a different liquid volume capacity than the second container 114. Inthe illustrated example, ninety percent of the volume of the first fluidchamber 210 of the example first container 112 is filled with the firstliquid 400 and, thus, the first container 112 contains approximately 75milliliters of the first liquid 400. Ninety percent of the volume of theexample second fluid chamber 310 of the second container 114 is filledwith the second liquid 402 and, thus, the second container 114 containsapproximately 47 milliliters of the second liquid 402. In theillustrated example, the cartridge 100 is substantially stationary and,thus, the first liquid 400 and the second liquid 402 are substantiallylevel (e.g., a first surface 404 and a second surface 406 of the firstliquid 400 and the second liquid 402, respectively, are substantiallyhorizontal).

In the illustrated example, the first top wall 408 of the firstcontainer 112 is coupled to the first sidewall 200, the second sidewall202, the first end wall 204 and the second end wall 206 and has a firstportion 410 adjacent the first end wall 204 and a second portion 412adjacent the second end wall 206. In the illustrated example, the topwall 408 is stepped such that the first portion 410 of the first topwall 408 is a first height or distance from the first bottom wall 208,and the second portion 412 of the first top wall 408 is a second heightor distance, which is less than the first height or distance from thefirst bottom wall 208. Thus, the first portion 410 of the example topwall 408 defines a first crown 414. In some examples, the crown 414 maybe dome shaped. When the example first fluid 400 is substantially level,an amount of space between the first fluid 400 and the first portion 410of the first top wall 408 is greater than an amount of space between thefirst fluid 400 and the second portion 412 of the first top wall 408. Asdescribed in greater detail below, the first crown 414 provides a spacefor the first liquid 400 to flow into when the example cartridge 100 isrotating.

In the illustrated example, the second portion 412 of the first top wall408 includes a first throat 416. The example first throat 416 is influid communication with the first fluid chamber 210. In the illustratedexample, the first cap 134 is coupled to the first throat 416 to coverand/or seal an aperture 417 defined by the first throat 416. When theexample first cap 134 is removed, a sample and/or a liquid may bedispensed and/or removed (e.g., aspirated) from the first container 112via the first throat 416, a volume of the first liquid 400 may bedetermined via a tool (e.g., a pipettor) extending into the first fluidchamber 210 via the first throat 416, etc.

In the illustrated example, the first baffle 212 and the second baffle214 are positioned between the first bottom wall 208 and the firstportion 410 of the first top wall 408. The example first baffle 212 andthe example second baffle 214 are a third height, which is less than thefirst height of the first portion 410 of the first top wall 408 andgreater than the second height of the second portion 412 of the firsttop wall 408 relative to the first bottom wall 208. Thus, the firstbaffle 212 and the second baffle 214 extend from the first bottom wall208 into a space defined by the first crown 414 of the first top wall408. The first baffle 212 and second baffle 214 do not contact the firsttop wall 408, and thus, the first baffle 212 and the second baffle 214of the illustrated example are cantilevered from the first bottom wall208.

In the illustrated example, the third baffle 216 and the fourth baffle218 are positioned between the first bottom wall 208 and the secondportion 412 of the first top wall 408. In the illustrated example, thethird baffle 216 and the fourth baffle 218 are a fourth height, which isless than the second height of the second portion 412 of the first topwall 408. The third baffle 214 and the fourth baffle 216 do not contactthe first top wall 408 and, thus, the example third baffle 216 and theexample fourth baffle 218 are also cantilevered from the first bottomwall 208. In the illustrated example, the first baffle 212 and thesecond baffle 214 extend farther from the first bottom wall 208 than thethird baffle 216 and the fourth baffle 216. In some examples, thebaffles 212, 214, 216, 218 are other heights relative the first bottomwall 208. Also, in the illustrated example, the first bottom wall 208 iscurved away from the first top wall 408 (e.g., concave relative to thetop wall 408) to increase a fluid volume capacity and/or to minimizedead volume (e.g., volume not filled with fluid and, thus, not availablefor aspiration) of the first container 112. In other examples, the firstbottom wall 208 is other shapes (e.g., substantially straight or flat,etc.)

The second top wall 418 of the example second container 114 includes athird portion 420 defining a second crown 422 and a fourth portion 424including a second throat 426. In some examples, the second crown 422 isdome shaped. In the illustrated example, the third portion 420 of theexample second top wall 418 is adjacent the third end wall 304 and thefourth portion 424 is adjacent the fourth end wall 306. In theillustrated example, the second top wall 418 is stepped such that thethird portion 420 of the first top wall 418 is the first height from thesecond bottom wall 308, and the fourth portion 424 of the second topwall 418 is the second height, which is less than the first height fromthe second bottom wall 308. When the example second fluid 402 issubstantially level, an amount of space between the second fluid 402 andthe third portion 420 of the second top wall 418 is greater than anamount of space between the second fluid 402 and the fourth portion 424of the second top wall 418. As described in greater detail below, thesecond crown 422 provides a space for the second liquid 402 to flow intowhen the example cartridge 100 is rotating.

In the illustrated example, the example second throat 426 is in fluidcommunication with the second fluid chamber 310 of the second container114. In the illustrated example, the first cap 133 is coupled to thesecond throat 426 to cover and/or seal an aperture 427 defined by thesecond throat 426. When the example second cap 136 is removed, a sampleand/or a liquid may be dispensed and/or removed (e.g., aspirated) fromthe second container 114 via the second throat 426, a volume of thesecond liquid 402 may be determined via a tool (e.g., a pipettor)extending into the second fluid chamber 310 via the second throat 426,etc. In the illustrated example, the second bottom wall 308 is curvedaway from the second top wall 418 (e.g., concave relative to the secondtop wall 418) to increase a fluid volume capacity of the example secondcontainer 114. In other examples, the second bottom wall 308 is othershapes (e.g., straight or flat, etc.).

In the illustrated example, the fifth baffle 312 and the example sixthbaffle 314 are cantilevered from the second bottom wall 308. In theillustrated example, the fifth baffle 312 and the sixth baffle 314 arepositioned between the second bottom wall 308 and the fourth portion 424of the second top wall 418. In the illustrated example, the fourthbaffle 312 and the fifth baffle 314 are the fourth height and do notcontact the second top wall 418. In some examples, the baffles 312, 314are other heights relative the second bottom wall 308.

FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view of the example cartridge 100 of FIGS.1-4 along line B-B of FIG. 1 when the example cartridge 100 is rotatingabout the axis of rotation 106. When the example cartridge 100 isrotating about the axis of rotation 106, centrifugal forces urges thefirst liquid 400 and the second liquid 402 away from the axis ofrotation 106. In the illustrated example, the first container 112 ispositioned on the platform 104 such that the first crown 414 is disposedfarther away from the axis of rotation 106 than the first throat 416.Similarly, the example second container 114 is positioned on theplatform 104 such that the second crown 422 is positioned farther awayfrom the axis of rotation 106 than the second throat 426. As a result,when the example cartridge 100 rotates, the first liquid 400 flowsaround the baffles 212, 214, 216, 218 and into the space in the firstfluid chamber 210 defined by first crown 414, and the second liquid 402flows around the baffles 312, 314 and into the space in the second fluidchamber 310 defined by the second crown 422. As a result, the liquid400, 402 is displaced such that the first surface 404 of the firstliquid 400 and the second surface 406 of the second liquid 402 areslanted or angled relative to the horizontal but the first liquid 400and the second liquid 402 do not flow into the first throat 416 and thesecond throat 426, respectively, as the example cartridge 100 movesalong the path 108 defined by the carousel 102. In the illustratedexample, a portion of each of the liquids 400, 402 is disposed betweenthe first height and the second height during rotation of the examplecartridge 100. In addition, the extension of the first baffle 212 andthe second baffle 214 into the first crown 414, function to furthermitigate bubble formation on the liquid in the first container 112 asthe first container 112 is rotated and liquid is disposed into the firstcrown 414.

In some examples, the cartridge 100 is periodically or aperiodicallyaccelerated and decelerated as the cartridge 100 moves along the path108. As a result, the first liquid 400 and the second liquid 402 flow inand out of the spaces defined by the first crown 414 and the secondcrown 422, respectively. The example baffles 212, 214, 216, 218, 312,314 of the first container 112 and the second container 114 dampen orreduce the flow (e.g., sloshing) of the liquid 400, 402 as the liquid400, 402 flows around the baffles 212, 214, 216, 218, 312, 314. As aresult, the baffles 212, 214, 216, 218 mitigate (e.g., reduce and/orminimize) bubble formation in the first liquid 400 and the second liquid402. In some examples, when the cartridge 100 decelerates to astationary state, the first liquid 400 and the second liquid 402 flowfrom the spaces defined by the crowns 414, 422 to a substantiallysettled and/or level position (e.g., where the surfaces 404, 406 of thefirst liquid 400 and the second liquid 402 are substantially horizontalwithin approximately 100 to 300 milliseconds of the cartridge 100 beingstationary.

FIG. 6 is a graph 600 illustrating a velocity of the example cartridge100 over time. In the illustrated example, between a first time t₁ and asecond time t₂, the example cartridge 100 moves from a first position toa second position along the path 108. In the illustrated example, thefirst position and the second position are approximately 180 degreesapart along the path 108, and the second time t₂ is one second after thefirst time t₁. Thus, in the illustrated example, the cartridge 100 moves180 degrees around the example path 108 in one second. In otherexamples, the cartridge 100 moves other numbers of degrees (e.g., 45degrees, 90 degrees, 360 degrees, etc.) in one second or in otheramounts of time.

In the illustrated example, the cartridge 100 is in the stationary state(e.g., at a velocity of substantially zero) at the first time t₁ and atthe second time t₂. Thus, in some examples, the liquid 400, 402 issubstantially level at the first time t₁. Beginning at the first timet₁, the example cartridge 100 accelerates from a velocity ofapproximately zero to a peak velocity (e.g., a maximum velocity of thecartridge 100 between the first time t₁ and second time) and thendecelerates from the peak velocity to a velocity of approximately zero.In the illustrated example, the example cartridge 100 accelerates from avelocity of zero to the peak velocity in approximately 0.4 seconds. Theexample cartridge 100 then, in this example, decelerates from the peakvelocity to a velocity of zero in approximately 0.6 seconds. Thus, theexample cartridge 100 accelerates during an initial 40 percent of themovement of the cartridge 100 from the first position to the secondposition and decelerates during a latter 60 percent of the movement. Inthe illustrated example, between the first time t₁ and the second timet₂, the example cartridge 100 substantially does not move at a constantvelocity.

When the example cartridge 100 accelerates to the peak velocity, thefirst liquid 400 flows around the baffles 212, 214, 216, 218 and intothe space in the first fluid chamber 210 defined by first crown 414, andthe second liquid 402 flows around the baffles 312, 314 and into thespace in the second fluid chamber 310 defined by the second crown 422.As a result, the liquid 400, 402 is displaced such that the firstsurface 404 of the first liquid 400 and the second surface 406 of thesecond liquid 402 are slanted or angled relative to the horizontal orotherwise not horizontal, but the first liquid 400 and the second liquid402 do not flow into the first throat 416 and the second throat 426,respectively, as the example cartridge 100 accelerates from the firstposition.

As the example cartridge 100 decelerates from the peak velocity, thefluid 400, 400 flows out of the spaces defined by the crowns 414, 422,and the example baffles 212, 214, 216, 218, 312, 314 of the firstcontainer 112 and the second container 114 dampen or reduce the flow(e.g., sloshing) of the liquid 400, 402 as the liquid 400, 402approaches and reaches a velocity of zero at the second time t₂. Theexample baffles 212, 214, 216, 218 mitigate (e.g., reduce and/orminimize) bubble formation in the first liquid 400 and the second liquid402 as the example cartridge 100 moves from the first position to thesecond position. As a result, after the cartridge 100 reaches the secondposition at the second time t₂ and, thus, is in the stationary state,the first liquid 400 and the second liquid 402 settle to a levelposition (e.g., where the surfaces 404, 406 of the first liquid 400 andthe second liquid 402 are substantially horizontal) within, in thisexample, approximately 100 to 300 milliseconds after the second time t₂.Thus, the baffles promote quick settling time. A faster settling timeallows the carousel 102 holding the cartridge 100 to be rotated at afaster rate, which allows the system or analyzer into which thesecomponents are incorporated to achieve a higher throughput. Higherthroughput improves lab productivity.

Also, as shown in FIG. 6, the motion curves are smooth and lacksignificant jerk (e.g., rates of change of acceleration/decelerationthat may be illustrated with a velocity profile having transition pointsrepresenting discontinuities in an acceleration profile).

FIG. 7 is a top, cross-sectional view of another example container 700disclosed herein, which may be used to implement the example cartridge100 of FIG. 1. In the illustrated example, the container 700 includes afirst chamber 702 and a second chamber 704. The example first chamber702 is to be substantially empty (e.g., not filled with a liquid). Aportion (e.g., ninety percent) of the volume of the example secondchamber 704 is to be filled with a liquid such as, for example, areagent, microparticles, one or more surfactants (e.g., a detergent),etc. Other examples have other shapes.

The example second chamber 704 is defined by a first sidewall 706, asecond sidewall 708, a first end wall 710 and a second end wall 712. Theexample first end wall 710 separates the first chamber 702 from thesecond chamber 704. The first chamber 702 is defined by the firstsidewall 706, the second sidewall 708, the first end wall 710 and athird end wall 714. In the illustrated example, the container 700 has arounded-rectangular perimeter shape, and the second chamber 704 has asubstantially rounded-rectangular shape from the perspective of FIG. 7.

In the illustrated example, a first baffle 716, a second baffle 718 anda third baffle 720 are disposed in the second chamber 704. In theillustrated example, the baffles 716, 718, 720 are c-shaped and areoriented such that concave portions 722, 724, 726 of the baffles 716,718, 720 face the axis of rotation 106 when the container 700 ispositioned on the platform 104 via the cartridge 100. The examplebaffles 716, 718, 720 are spaced apart from each other and the walls706, 708, 710, 712 defining the second chamber 704.

FIG. 8 is a perspective, cross-sectional view of the example container700 along line C-C of FIG. 7. In the illustrated example, the baffles716, 718, 720 extend from a bottom wall 800 of the container 700 towarda top wall 802 of the container 700. The example baffles 716, 718, 720do not contact the top wall 802. In the illustrated example, the baffles716, 718, 720 extend from the bottom wall 800 to a first height belowthe top wall 802 in the orientation of FIG. 8.

The example top wall 802 includes a first portion 804, a second portion806 and a third portion 808. In the illustrated example, the firstportion 804 and the third portion 808 of the top wall 802 are at asecond height relative to the bottom wall 800 greater than the firstheight of the baffles 716, 718, 720. The example second portion 806 ofthe top wall 802 is stepped from the first portion 804 and the thirdportion 808 to define a crown 810 having a third height greater than thefirst height and the second height. In the illustrated example, thesecond portion 806 of the top wall 802 is between the first portion 804and the third portion 808. In the illustrated example, the third portionincludes a throat 812, which is covered and/or sealed by a cap 814. Whenthe cap 814 is removed, a sample and/or a liquid (e.g., one or morereagents, surfactants, etc.) may be dispensed and/or aspirated via thethroat 812.

When the example container 700 is moved (e.g., accelerated anddecelerated, for example, as illustrated in the graph 600 of FIG. 6)along the path 108, a liquid 816 (e.g., one or more reagents,surfactants, etc.) disposed in the second chamber 704 flows around thebaffles 716, 718, 720 and in and out of a space defined by the crown 810without flowing out of the container 700 via the throat 812. The examplebaffles 716, 718, 720 dampen the flow (e.g., sloshing) of the liquid 816to mitigate (e.g., reduce and/or minimize) bubble formation in theliquid 816 and enable the liquid 816 to quickly settle (e.g., within100-300 milliseconds) once the example container 700 decelerates to astationary state.

One or more of the features, in whole or in part, of the containers 112,114 in FIGS. 1-5 and the features in the container 700 of FIGS. 7 and 8may be used in addition to or as an alternative to one or more of thefeatures of one of the other containers.

A flowchart representative of an example method is shown in FIG. 9.Although the example method is described with reference to the flowchartillustrated in FIG. 9, many other methods may alternatively be used. Forexample, the order of execution of the blocks may be changed, and/orsome of the blocks described may be changed, eliminated, or combined.

The example method 900 of FIG. 9 begins by rotating a container (e.g.,the first container 112) about an axis of rotation such as, for example,the axis of rotation 106 of the carousel 102 (block 902). In someexamples, the container moves from a first position to a second positionvia an acceleration or motion profile illustrated in the example graph600 of FIG. 6. During rotation, liquid in the container 112 is displacedaround a baffle (block 904). For example, the first liquid 400 in thefirst container 112 flows in a space between the first baffle 212 andthe first sidewall 200, a space between the first baffle 212 and thesecond sidewall 202, and/or a space between the first baffle 212 and thefirst top wall 408. The baffles 212, 214, 216, 218 dampen the flow(e.g., sloshing) of the first liquid 400 to mitigate (e.g., decreaseand/or substantially minimize) bubble formation in the first liquid 400.

The example process 900 also includes projecting or displacing theliquid into a crown of a top wall of the container (block 906). Forexample, the liquid 400 of the first container 112 is displaced into thefirst crown 414 during rotation. As a result, the first liquid 400 isprevented from flowing into the first throat 416 and out of the firstcontainer 112. The example process 900 also includes ceasing rotation ofthe container (block 908). In some examples, the baffles 212, 214, 216,218 enable the first liquid 400 to settle after the rotation is ceasedin approximately 100 to 300 milliseconds. The process 900 may alsoinclude, in some examples, aspirating a portion of the liquid (block910), and then the process 900 may end or start over with rotation ofthe container about the axis (block 902)

Although certain example methods, apparatus and articles of manufacturehave been disclosed herein, the scope of coverage of this patent is notlimited thereto. On the contrary, this patent covers all methods,apparatus and articles of manufacture fairly falling within the scope ofthe claims of this patent.

What is claimed is:
 1. A reagent container comprising: a first sidewall;a second sidewall opposite the first sidewall; a bottom wall coupled tothe first sidewall and the second sidewall; a first baffle extendingfrom the bottom wall, the first baffle spaced apart from the firstsidewall and the second sidewall such that a liquid reagent in thereagent container can flow between the first baffle and the first andsecond sidewalls; a second baffle extending from the bottom wall, thesecond baffle spaced apart from the first sidewall and the secondsidewall such that the liquid reagent in the reagent container can flowbetween the second baffle and the first and second sidewalls; and a topwall coupled to the first sidewall and the second sidewall opposite thebottom wall, an opening defined in the top wall, the opening structuredto receive a pipette for extracting the liquid reagent from the reagentcontainer, the opening in the top wall disposed along an axis thatextends between first and second baffles.
 2. The reagent container ofclaim 1, wherein the bottom wall has a circular recess aligned with theopening.
 3. The reagent container of claim 1, wherein the top wallincludes an upward extending throat, the opening defined through thethroat.
 4. The reagent container of claim 2, further including a capremovably couplable to the throat.
 5. The reagent container of claim 1,further including a base couplable to a rotatable carousel of adiagnostic analyzer, the bottom wall coupled to the base.
 6. The reagentcontainer of claim 1, further including the liquid reagent, the liquidreagent filing at least ninety percent of a volume defined by thereagent container.
 7. The reagent container of claim 1, wherein the topwall includes a crown extending from a top side of the top wall, thecrown defining an enclosed cavity extending upward from an underside ofthe top wall to enable the liquid reagent in the reagent container toflow into the cavity when the reagent container is rotated.
 8. Thereagent container of claim 7, wherein the first baffle is aligned belowthe crown.
 9. The reagent container of claim 1, wherein the first andsecond sidewalls are non-parallel such that the reagent container has awedge-shaped cross-section.
 10. The reagent container of claim 1,wherein the first baffle has a c-shaped cross-section and the secondbaffle has a c-shaped cross-section.
 11. A method comprising: rotating areagent container about an axis of rotation, the reagent containerincluding: a first sidewall; a second sidewall opposite the firstsidewall; a top wall coupled to the first sidewall and the secondsidewall; a bottom wall opposite the top wall, the bottom wall coupledto the first sidewall and the second sidewall; a baffle extending fromthe bottom wall, the baffle spaced apart from the first sidewall, thesecond sidewall, and the top wall; and a liquid reagent in the reagentcontainer; and displacing the liquid reagent around the baffle duringrotation.
 12. The method of claim 11, wherein rotating the reagentcontainer includes rotating a carousel about an axis of rotation, thereagent container disposed on the carousel.
 13. The method of claim 12,wherein a longitudinal axis of the reagent container is offset from theaxis of rotation.
 14. The method of claim 11, wherein the top wallincludes a crown defining an enclosed cavity extending upward from anunderside of the top wall, the method further including decreasingbubble formation in the liquid reagent by the displacing of the liquidreagent around the baffle and the displacing of the liquid reagent intothe cavity defined by the crown.
 15. The method of claim 11, furtherincluding ceasing rotation and aspirating a portion of the liquidreagent.
 16. The method of claim 11, wherein rotating the reagentcontainer includes rotating the reagent container with a substantiallyconstantly changing velocity.
 17. The method of claim 11, whereinrotating the reagent container includes increasing a velocity of thereagent container non-linearly over time and decreasing the velocity ofthe reagent container nonlinearly over time.
 18. A reagent containercomprising: a first sidewall; a second sidewall opposite the firstsidewall; a bottom wall coupled to the first sidewall and the secondsidewall; a top wall coupled to the first sidewall and the secondsidewall opposite the bottom wall, the top wall including a crowndefining an enclosed cavity extending upward from an underside of thetop wall to enable liquid reagent in the reagent container to flow intothe cavity when the reagent container is rotated; and a bafflecantilevered from the bottom wall, the baffle aligned below the crown.19. The reagent container of claim 18, wherein the baffle does notextend into enclosed cavity defined by the crown.
 20. The reagentcontainer of claim 18, wherein the baffle is a first baffle, furtherincluding a second baffle cantilevered from the bottom wall, and whereinthe second baffle is not aligned below the crown.